Lap Band vs Gastric Sleeve

First a quick recap of what Gastric sleeve is and then we'll get into the vs. portion of the article.

Sleeve gastrectomy is a restrictive surgery that permanently reduces the size of the stomach by about 85 percent.

How gastric sleeve works:  The larger rounded part of the stomach is cut away, leaving a long cylindrical portion (sleeve).

Gastric Sleeve surgery is the only gastric surgery in which part of the stomach is taken out o the body.

Gastric Sleeve surgery turns the stomach into a small tube (sleeve).  Most of the part of the stomach that digests your food is gone, so the calories cannot be absorbed and because the stomach is smaller you feel full and don't eat as much.  The downside is that this is forever and not reversible.  What if the stomach is not large enough and you have a hard time getting enough nutrients?  What if they leave it too big and you don't lose weight?  These are problems that lap band over comes because it is adjustable.  Not losing weight?  The band can be filled to be more restrictive.  Losing to fast or too much, the band can be loosened.  These are not options with the gastric sleeve.  Also the gastric sleeve is permanent and cannot be removed, the lap band can last your lifetime or be removed if need be.  This offers a lot of flexibility. 

In addition the portion of the stomach that is removed is simply thrown away.  You can't get it back.  So if too much stomach is removed, there is no fix.

With lap band you also can simply replace the band if something ever fails with it, though mechanical failure is rare, it does happen.  In that case a new band can simply be installed.  Surgeons are divided on the issue, some have issues with removing part of the normal anatomy when a more flexible solution exists.  The sleeve procedure is relatively new compared to lap band, so some long term issues may not have rose to the surface yet, if there are any. 

In favor of gastric sleeve are the following:

1. One and done.  If it goes right and works for you, it's permanent, no fills, no worry of erosion, or other issues.
2. Doesn't rely on mechanical device to work.  Though reliable the lap band is still a foreign object in your body

In favor of lap band are the following

1. Not permanent - reversible if needed and upgradeable to a newer band if needed
2. Proven results over a long time and a large population of patients.
3. Adjustable to speed or slow weight loss as needed.

More info about other types of weight loss surgery

Back from Gastric Sleeve to Lap Band ALternatives

Back from Gastric Sleeve to Lap Band